FAMILY VET CENTRE BOARDING Welcome... Another year flying by – as I write this Xavier and Seamus are gearing up for another Henty Field Days (loved the tractors last year, the Pipes Band we were not so sure of) and I’m sure it will be Christmas in another blink of the eye. Dr Nadine and husband Rhys welcomed Clancy George Miller into the world earlier in the year. Of course one clinic partner is chuffed to have the new bub named after him! Nurse Nicole is leaving for maternity leave as this is written and we wish Nicole and Brad all the best. Nurse Lauren has just returned from maternity leave – welcome back Loz! We also welcome Dr Mel to the Family Vet Centre, and introduce Mel a little more fully to you later in this newsletter. Dr Raquel has taken a step back from clinic duties to focus on her business in Muscle Release Therapy (Bowen Therapy) – Raquel is kept very busy with cases on days that she is at the clinic! Over the last several months we have had several continuing education seminars to keep our vets occupied of an evening. We have had a critical care specialist from CSU Wagga present on ECG interpretation, and two surgical specialists from Melbourne discussing orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. Jane and Justin both attended a recent workshop in Shepparton. Regular contacts with specialists help us keep up with the latest research – just like the medical world, the veterinary world is constantly evolving. We continue to evolve at the Clinics as well. Earlier this year we purchased a second digital radiography unit for Albury – both clinics are now serviced with digital radiography. The quality of images with our radiography units has always been excellent, but we can now capture images directly into a digital format, and this allows us to forward images immediately to specialists where required. We have also updated both clinics with state-of-the-art dental units, and is part of our goal to provide best standard veterinary care. Last newsletter we touched on the Penn Hip radiography procedure that Dr Chris has qualified in to help diagnose hip dysplasia. Chris has performed this procedure a number of times now, and the results are interesting – in particular how it shapes how we respond to individual cases. Some cases have been identified has having too severe of hip dysplasia to perform certain procedures, where as some pets that would have had surgery based on physical palpation of the hips, have not required surgery based on radiography results. It is very much evident that Penn Hip radiography is well worth considering for any owner of a large breed puppy. Xavier and Seamus are both doing well in the Clancy household. The photo here shows Xavier on a Twin City tractor whilst on holiday at Echuca – his Granddad’s first tractor as a farmer being a Twin City. Now all of three and a half Xavier kept enquiries up during the football season as to whether his dad had hurt himself, and did give advice to his Dad not to let others push him! Family Vet Centre sponsor the local rugby Club – the Steamers, and being involved in the Club has meant a busy but very successful Winter. I am receiving many suggestions at home and the clinic that retirement from rugby is due – some subtle hints, some not so subtle. I hope this finds you well and look forward to seeing you at the Clinic when next visiting us. cheers, Justin • We seek to grow relationships with families that enhance their pets’ lives through professional, quality and caring health-care. • We seek to be the voice for all pets. Cnr Borella Rd & Keene St, Albury Ph 02 6041 2522 75 Thomas Mitchell Drive, Wodonga Ph 02 6056 4400 [email protected]75 Thomas Mitchell Drive, Wodonga Ph 02 6024 1723 Spring 2013 Issue 32 FAMILY VET CENTRE A happy arrangement: many people prefer cats to other people, and many cats prefer people to other cats. ~ Mason Cooley Introducing Dr. Mel Mel has recently joined the Family Vet centre as a new graduate veterinarian from The University of Melbourne. Although she has spent most of her adult life living, working and studying in Melbourne, Mel originally grew up in the farming town of Balldale. It was here that she rode her horse and would deliver the neighbours mail by “pony express” and help her mother and grandfather train horses for harness racing. Mel later became actively involved in pony club and naturally being surrounded by horses, dogs and cats and the local wild life of a rural town, was passionate to begin a career in the wonderful world of animals. She began studying to gain entry into veterinary nursing and after completing the prerequisite courses; was offered and accepted a job in Melbourne as a Laboratory Assistant. This later led to a full time position in veterinary nursing, were Mel began her veterinary nurse training. During her work as a vet nurse, Mel learned so much and wanted to learn so much more and it was when she was nearing the end of her studies in veterinary nursing she decided to go to university and study to become a Veterinarian, her dream job. This year is Mel’s first year as a Veterinarian and she is incredibly enthusiastic and passionate about all aspects of her career and is very much looking forward to her future with the team at Family Vet centre. A Moment With Zoe Dr Justin has promised Zoe the wonder dog on a number of occasions to star in one of our newsletters – so here she is! Zoe is a lady of vintage where discretion demands that we do not reveal her age, and despite being beset by her fair share of ailments – pancreatitis, arthritis as well as a large lump on her left shoulder – is still enjoying life and regular visits to the vet clinic. On these occasions she receives a pep-up shot for her arthritis and never fails in making a direct bee-line for the basket of Pig’s Ears – alas more in hope as a result of requiring a strict diet with her pancreatitis. Zoe is a true star! Scan the QR Code to the right to visit our new website or go to www.familyvet.com.au Veterinary behaviourist service available through Family Vet Centre Family Vet Centre would like to introduce a new referral service available in our area. Dr Sally Nixon has worked as a veterinarian in mixed practice for 13 years and has been accepted as a member of the behaviour medicine chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. With a passion for animal welfare, she hopes to increase awareness as to why appropriate treatment from a qualified behaviourist is recommended for any strange or frustrating behaviours. Behaviour problems can be signs from your pet that they are having trouble coping in some or many situations, regardless of how pampered and loved your pet may be. Sally is qualified to understand the psychological and evolutionary needs of many species and how they behave to communicate to us when they need our help. Soiling in the house, obsessive-compulsive disorders, separation anxiety, aggression and thunderstorm phobia are a few examples of the types of disorders for which Sally can provide a therapeutic management plan. These behaviour problems can indicate suffering on behalf of our pets and Sally hopes to help clients understand that they may be able to help their pet towards a happier future. Please ask at the clinic if you have a pet with any concerning behaviours so that we can inform you of the options available to diagnose and treat the problem.
Transcript
FA M I LY V E T C E N T R E
BOARDING
Welcome...Another year flying by – as I write this Xavier and Seamus are gearing up for another Henty Field Days (loved the tractors last year, the Pipes Band we were not so sure of) and I’m sure it will be Christmas in another blink of the eye.
Dr Nadine and husband Rhys welcomed Clancy George Miller into the world earlier in the year. Of course one clinic partner is chuffed to have the new bub named after him! Nurse Nicole is leaving for maternity leave as this is written and we wish Nicole and Brad all the best. Nurse Lauren has just returned from maternity leave – welcome back Loz! We also welcome Dr Mel to the Family Vet Centre, and introduce Mel a little more fully to you later in this newsletter. Dr Raquel has taken a step back from clinic duties to focus on her business in Muscle Release Therapy (Bowen Therapy) – Raquel is kept very busy with cases on days that she is at the clinic!
Over the last several months we have had several continuing education seminars to keep our vets occupied of an evening. We have had a critical care specialist from CSU Wagga present on ECG interpretation, and two surgical specialists from Melbourne discussing orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. Jane and Justin both attended a recent workshop in Shepparton. Regular contacts with specialists help us keep up with the latest research – just like the medical world, the veterinary world is constantly evolving.
We continue to evolve at the Clinics as well. Earlier this year we purchased a second digital radiography unit for Albury – both clinics are now serviced with digital radiography. The quality of images with our radiography units has always been excellent, but we can now capture images directly into a digital format, and this allows us to forward images immediately to specialists where required. We have also updated both clinics with state-of-the-art
dental units, and is part of our goal to provide best standard veterinary care.
Last newsletter we touched on the Penn Hip radiography procedure that Dr Chris has qualified in to help diagnose hip dysplasia. Chris has performed this procedure a number of times now, and the results are interesting – in particular how it shapes how we respond to individual cases. Some cases have been identified has having too severe of hip dysplasia to perform certain procedures, where as some pets that would have had surgery based on physical palpation of the hips, have not required surgery based on radiography results. It is very much evident thatPenn Hip radiography is well worth considering for any owner of a large breed puppy.
Xavier and Seamus are both doing well in the Clancy household. The photo here shows Xavier on a Twin City tractor whilst on holiday at Echuca – his Granddad’s first tractor as a farmer being a Twin City. Now all of three and a half Xavier kept enquiries up during the football season as to whether his dad had hurt himself, and did give advice to his Dad not to let others push him! Family Vet Centre sponsor the local rugby Club – the Steamers, and being involved in the Club has meant a busy but very successful Winter. I am receiving many suggestions at home and the clinic that retirement from rugby is due – some subtle hints, some not so subtle.
I hope this finds you well and look forward to seeing you at the Clinic when next visiting us.
cheers,
Justin• We s e e k t o g r o w r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h f a m i l i e s t h a t e n h a n c e t h e i r
p e t s ’ l i v e s t h r o u g h p r o f e s s i o n a l , q u a l i t y a n d c a r i n g h e a l t h - c a r e .
• We s e e k t o b e t h e v o i c e f o r a l l p e t s .
Introducing Dr. MelMel has recently joined the Family Vet centre
as a new graduate veterinarian from The
University of Melbourne.
Although she has spent most of her adult life
living, working and studying in Melbourne, Mel
originally grew up in the farming town of
Balldale. It was here that she rode her horse
and would deliver the neighbours mail by
“pony express” and help her mother and
grandfather train horses for harness racing.
Mel later became actively involved in pony club
and naturally being surrounded by horses,
dogs and cats and the local wild life of a rural
town, was passionate to begin a career in the
wonderful world of animals.
She began studying to gain entry into
veterinary nursing and after completing the
prerequisite courses; was offered and
accepted a job in Melbourne as a Laboratory
Assistant. This later led to a full time position in
veterinary nursing, were Mel began her
veterinary nurse training.
During her work as a vet nurse, Mel learned so
much and wanted to learn so much more and
it was when she was nearing the end of her
studies in veterinary nursing she decided to go
to university and study to become a
Veterinarian, her dream job.
This year is Mel’s first year as a Veterinarian
and she is incredibly enthusiastic and
passionate about all aspects of her career and
is very much looking forward to her future with
the team at Family Vet centre.
A Moment With ZoeDr Justin has promised Zoe the wonder dog on a
number of occasions to star in one of our
newsletters – so here she is! Zoe is a lady of
vintage where discretion demands that we do not
reveal her age, and despite being beset by her fair
share of ailments – pancreatitis, arthritis as well as
a large lump on her left shoulder – is still enjoying
life and regular visits to the vet clinic.
On these occasions she receives a pep-up shot
for her arthritis and
never fails in making
a direct bee-line for
the basket of Pig’s
Ears – alas more in
hope as a result of
requiring a strict
diet with her
pancreatitis. Zoe
is a true star!
Scan the QR Code to the right to visit our new websiteor go to www.familyvet.com.au
Veterinary behaviourist service available throughFamily Vet Centre
Family Vet Centre would like to introduce a new referral service available in ourarea. Dr Sally Nixon has worked as a veterinarian in mixed practice for 13 years andhas been accepted as a member of the behaviour medicine chapter of the Australianand New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.
With a passion for animal welfare, she hopes to increase awareness as to whyappropriate treatment from a qualified behaviourist is recommended for any strangeor frustrating behaviours.
Behaviour problems can be signs from your pet that they are having trouble coping insome or many situations, regardless of how pampered and loved your pet may be.Sally is qualified to understand the psychological and evolutionary needs of manyspecies and how they behave to communicate to us when they need our help.
Soiling in the house, obsessive-compulsive disorders, separation anxiety, aggressionand thunderstorm phobia are a few examples of the types of disorders for which Sallycan provide a therapeutic management plan. These behaviour problems can indicatesuffering on behalf of our pets and Sally hopes to help clients understand that theymay be able to help their pet towards a happier future.
Please ask at the clinic if you have a pet with any concerning behaviours so that wecan inform you of the options available to diagnose and treat the problem.
Herbal Medicine with Dr Raquel
What Breed is Bella?Bella was a rescue dog who was lucky enough to find a
fantastic home. She is a great little dog and her owners are
head-over- heels in love with her. Nothing was known of her
history and her owners couldn’t help but wonder what her
breeding was. It wasn’t only her colouring that suggested
Cattle Dog, it was also her intelligence, willingness to please,
the tendency to round up the chooks and the way she liked
to swing off the horse’s tail! She had to have something
smaller too, maybe Jack Russell; she certainly has the
hyperactivity of one. Her owner had grown up with Bull
Terriers and just felt she could see something of that breed
in little Bella’s eyes and facial expression.
When the opportunity arose to have a DNA test to unravel
the mystery, her owners were keen. All that was required
was a blood sample. Bets were on as to what the results
would be. Some said Jack Russell and Cattle Dog, others
thought there might be Staffie thrown in. Some went out on
a limb suggesting Dalmatian rather than Cattle Dog.
The results showed the much anticipated Cattle Dog but
no-one was expecting genetic markers to identify Scottish
terrier and French bulldog! Bella’s owner however was the
only one to see the Bull Terrier in her eyes.
Mixed Breed Identification not only satisfies our curiosity but
once breeds are identified further testing is available to look for
genetic diseases known to those breeds. A simple blood test
is now available through the clinic – it might help unlock the
genetic story of your pooch!
Some common conditionswhere herbs are of benefit;
Being the owner of a blood donor is a rewarding feeling
Tess
Bella
I became interested in herbal medicine as I became increasingly frustrated with the limitations of veterinary medicine in treating the symptoms and our lack of supporting the immune function to improve healing and prevent further disease.
Our job as Veterinarians is to relieve the discomfort of your animals as quickly as possible and we do this exceptionally well! My aim is to help you understand that supporting and nourishing your animal’s body systems is also a very important part of treatment. It is integral in healing the underlying problems and in preventing further complications/flare ups and disease. Diet also becomes a very important factor in your animals healing but we will discuss that at another date.
Herbal medicine or phytotherapy is the science of using plants, plant parts and preparations made from plants to treat and prevent diseases. Until the 1930’s the British pharmacopoeas (still used in Australia) composed mostly of plant substances, simple compounds from nature and some animal products. Pharmacopoeas of the world today still contain a number of plant drugs. Interestingly the word ‘drug’ traditionally means ‘dried plant material’! Synthetic new preparations have become more popular as the multinational
pharmaceutical industries have boomed and plant substances have been elbowed out as
unscientific and non- standardisable.It is important to recognise plants have been utilised in many cultures for thousands of years with miraculous healings i.e. Chinese (western & traditional medicine used alongside each other), Tibetan, Egyption, Indian, native African, Nth American and Oceanic tribes.
About 3000 years ago, Ascepios of Thessaly, one of the great men of ancient medicine, gave the following sequence for the use of therapeutic agents: ‘First the word- then the plant – Lastly the knife.’ Modified by Rudolf Fritz Weiss to ‘First the word, - then the herbal drug – then the great synthetic drug – and last the knife’. The important factor here is least invasive to most invasive.
The types of plants used range from those with powerful actions such as Digitalis to those with very gentle yet effective actions such as chamomile and mint. Many of the medications used in western medicine today were derived from plants, but generally an active principle of the plant has been utilised. The disadvantage of a synthetically produced drugs with technically the same active ingredient as a plant, is that the many protective properties
of utilizing a whole plant have been disregarded. This therefore leads to many of the side effects we experience with western medicines.
Herbs are not all ‘safe’, there are some very powerful herbs that have side effects that can be highly dangerous and therefore is important to know and understand the individual plants, their potential actions and indications. This is why it is important to consult with a herbalist.
Herbs are very complementary to our treatments in veterinary medicine and can improve the outcome of your animals illness significantly and are complementary to western practices. The aim of herbal medicine is to support the animals body systems and promote healing rather than just treating and masking the symptoms. The benefit of including herbs in your animals treatment regime is to minimize the chance of recurrence and to improve recovery time.
Being the owner of a blood donor is a rewarding
feeling. My Great Dane Tess has saved 9 lives now
with her donations.
It makes me proud to know that she has given life to a
four legged family member, who is loved so much by
their family. Bringing Tess into the clinic for a donation
is nothing but pleasant, she is treated like a hero and
is given the best of care.
The process is fairly easy, and the dogs are put onto
intravenous fluids to support them after their donation.
My dog’s favorite part is the big bag of dog food she
receives for her generosity. Sometimes after a
donation, Tess will feel a little tired, other then that I
have not noticed any difference in her. I would
recommend this to any large dog owner, as every
donation makes a difference.
• Skin allergies – great to minimise
the use of cortisone and aid in
preventing allergies from flaring up.
Supporting the immune system is
very important in preventing flare
ups of allergies as Immune
dysfunction is often an underlyng
cause.
• Pain – arthritis, post surgery
• Healing/Post surgery
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cancer and/or chemotherapy
support
• Urinary Incontinence
• Liver or kidney problems
The herbal preparations that I use
can be used in conjunction with
western medicines in a holistic
approach to improve the outcome for
you animal and aid in prevention.
Recent Case studies• Foofy – a 19 year old Siamese cat
owned by one of our nurses –
Samara, she had a severe cough,
this was investigated and she was
placed on cortisone with minimal
improvement. Within a week of
starting the herbal treatments she had improved and the cough is now well controlled.
• Epileptic dog on high levels of medications to try to control his seizures – a seizure has
not been seen by the owners since adding in the herbal support, his attitude to life has
improved and the levels of medications are looking to be reduced.
• Dog – hit by a car with a fractured pelvis – recovering on anti - inflammatory herbs and
herbs to promote bone healing as well as CCMRT (canine & cat muscle release
therapy). Amazingly comfortable and healing well.
• Improvement in a 16 year old dalmation with senility – she often would get stuck in
corners, she is much more settled and not getting stuck nearly as often after a few
weeks of the herbal preparations.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions regarding herbal
medicines for your animal.
Dr. Raquel Butler BVSc, EMRT/CCMRT practitioner, m BTAA, mCIVT, Herbal medicine
